Julieta Salazar -Velez: It’s About Your Mindset
Julieta Salazar-Velez, a native of Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, is our newest registered architect. Julieta is thoughtful and mindful about her work. Her dedication to her projects and attention to detail is recognized, and highly regarded by her clients and peers. She brings to us her collaborative nature and desire for continuous improvement. Our employees are what make Alliance Architects a leading architecture firm in DFW. Please join us in congratulating Julieta on this milestone achievement.
What interested you to pursue this career?
The space we occupy, for the most part, are designed by architects and interior designers. I have always liked the idea of being part of the group of people that designs, coordinates, and makes all of these spaces possible.
The test. What was the most difficult part to overcome?
Putting my mindset and life schedule together to be able to study. You cannot cover all the study material in a week, and you cannot stop living. Therefore, every time I scheduled a test, I would put my life (sleeping, exercising, seeing friends and family, working) into a routine to accommodate enough studying time. Once the test was scheduled, it was the only thing my mind could think of.
What was your roadmap or education path you chose to be qualified for the exams?
I wasn’t aware of the architecture licensure process in the United States until my last year of graduate school. So, it was until after a year of working in the field that I felt comfortable enough to start the process.
How did you stay on track with studying? Balance work life/home life…
Having enough “me time”. Inline roller skating relaxes me and kept me active. Seeing friends and family kept my mind out of the tests. I’ve always thought that if my body and mind are good, I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
What advice would you give to fellow test takers?
Never stop doing activities you enjoy and take your time. It is useless to put pressure on yourself.
What would you like to see more of in the design industry?
Women as leaders.
In regards to the tests, complete this sentence: I wish I’d known…
I wish I’d known NCARB was going to put sample tests in their webpage at some point. That just started this past June and I was only able to use it on my last test. It is a game changer.
Who is your favorite architect and why?
Luis Barragan. He was able to combine traditional Mexican architecture with contemporary and modern architecture. I love how he used light, color, and transitional spaces to create experiences.
Senior VP, Design Leader Chris Bruck states “through her hard work and diligence, Julieta has developed an understanding of what it takes to become a professional, and has grown into her role as one of Alliance’s lead project designers.”
